Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

Transcription

1 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Locust Valley First Church of God Christmas Eve :00 pm

2 Welcome to this special service of music, scripture, light, and prayer as we go to Bethlehem to witness this great thing that has come to pass, the babe, lying in the manger. The Tradition of Lessons and Carols One hundred years ago, as the world paused to mark the end of the Great War, Rev. Eric Milner-White, the Dean of King s College in Cambridge, England, unveiled a liturgy on Christmas Eve to herald the birth of the Messiah to a world in need of peace and healing. His service was formed from an early liturgy drafted in 1880 by Bishop Edward White Benson of England s Truro Cathedral. Rev. Milner-White s service was simple, but majestic and dignified, relying upon the prophetic texts of the Old Testament and the poetic prose of the Gospels to tell of the mystery of the birth of Christ and the eternal promise of God s redeeming love for His creation. The liturgy pairs these nine scripture lessons with the evocative sacred music of the Christmas season. Tonight, we join Christians around the world in marking again the Nativity of our Lord, Jesus Christ, with this beautiful liturgy of Lessons and Carols. Service Notes Please silence cell phones and keep conversation to a minimum during the prelude music. All of the music and scripture lessons are provided in this bulletin. During the reading of the ninth lesson and the singing of Silent Night, please stand and light the battery-operated candle provided to you using the switch at the base of the candle. Restrooms are available at the rear of the church near the parking lot. Please join us after the service for refreshments in the Fellowship Hall. Cover Artwork: The Nativity with the Adoration of the Shepherds, Engraving by Italian artist Raphael Morghen, Rome, 1792, from the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Bulletin Artwork by Ian M. Welch.

3 Organ Prelude: Jody Brumage, Organist In Dulci Jubilo Arranged by R.L. Pearsall, Edited by Reginald Jacques The Lamb John Tavener While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks Arranged by Alfred V. Fedak Angels Carol John Rutter Please stand for the Processional Carol and the Bidding Prayer. The Processional Carol: Once in Royal David s City Text: C.F. Alexander, Tune: H.J. Gauntlett

4 The Bidding Prayer: Pastor Richard Frederick Beloved in Christ, as we gather tonight in this place, let us delight in hearing again the message of the angles and returning in heart and mind to Bethlehem to see this thing which has come to pass and the Babe lying in a manger. Let us pray: Good and gracious God, on this holy night you gave us your Son, the Lord of the universe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, the Savior of all, lying in a manger. On this holy night draw us into the mystery of your love. Join our voices with the heavenly host that we may sing your glory on high. Give us a place among the shepherds that we may find the one for whom we have waited, Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Lord. But first we ask your provision for the needs of Your whole world; for peace and goodwill over all the earth; for unity and brotherhood within the Church Jesus came to build, and especially for those who live in this community of Locust Valley. Let us remember in His name the poor and the helpless, the cold, the hungry and the oppressed; the sick in body and in mind and them that mourn; the lonely and the unloved; the aged and the little children; and all who know not the Lord Jesus. Lastly, let us remember before God all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore and in a greater light, that multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in this Lord Jesus, we are one for evermore. These prayers and praises we humbly offer up to the throne of heaven, in the words which Christ himself has taught us: People: Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

5 The congregation may be seated. The Lighting of the Christ Candle and the Psalm Psalm 96 (Arr. by Bernadette Farrell) The antiphon is sung first by the cantor, then by everyone. The cantor will continue singing the psalm and the congregation will respond by singing the Antiphon. The Antiphon: Cantor: People: Cantor: People: Cantor: People: Sing a new song to the Lord. Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, sing to the Lord, sing to the Lord and bless His name! Today, today a Savior has been born; a Savior has been born to us. He is Christ the Lord, Christ the Lord, Jesus Christ the Lord! Proclaim His help day by day. Tell among the nations His glory. Tell of His works, tell of His works, and His wonders among all the peoples. Today, today a Savior has been born; a Savior has been born to us. He is Christ the Lord, Christ the Lord, Jesus Christ the Lord! Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad, let the sea and all within it thunder praise, all of the land, all that it bears, rejoice at the presence of the Lord. Today, today a Savior has been born; a Savior has been born to us. He is Christ the Lord, Christ the Lord, Jesus Christ the Lord!

6 The First Lesson: A Reading from the Book of Genesis (3: 8-15, 17-19) God tells unfaithful Adam that he has lost the life of paradise and that his seed will bruise the serpent s head. T hey heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, Where are you? He said, I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. He said, Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat? The man said, The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate. Then the Lord God said to the woman, What is this that you have done? The woman said, The serpent tricked me, and I ate. The Lord God said to the serpent, Because you have done this, cursed are you among all animals among all wild creatures; upon your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel. And to the man he said, Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten of the tree about which I commanded you, You shall not eat of it, cursed is the ground because of you; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

7 Carol: I Wonder as I Wander Text and Tune: Traditional Appalachian Folk Song Adapted by John Jacob Niles The Second Lesson: A Reading from the Book of Genesis (22: 15-18) God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. T he angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven, and said, By myself I have sworn, says the Lord: Because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will indeed bless you, and I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of their enemies, and by your offspring shall all the nations of the earth gain blessing for themselves, because you have obeyed my voice.

8 Special Music: Go, Tell it on the Mountain Vocalists: Pastor Richard and Vickie Frederick The Third Lesson: A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah (9: 2, 6-7) The prophet foretells the coming of the Savior. T he people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Carol: Unto Us a Child is Born Tune: 16 th Century Latin Hymn Text: 15 th Century Latin, Translated by G.R. Woodward

9 The Fourth Lesson: A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah (11: 1-4, 6-9) The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown. A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Carol: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day Tune: Jean Baptiste Calkin Text: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

10 The Fifth Lesson: A Reading from the Gospel According to Luke (Luke 1: 26-35, 38) The angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary I n the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you. But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. Mary said to the angel, How can this be, since I am a virgin? The angel said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. Then Mary said, Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word. Then the angel departed from her. Carol: Lo, How a Rose E er Blooming Tune: 16 th Century German Carol, harmonized by Michael Praetorius Text: 16 th Century German, Translated by T. Baker and H.K. Spaeth

11 The congregation is invited to stand for the reading of the Nativity lesson. The Sixth Lesson: A Reading from the Gospel according to Luke (2: 1, 3-7) St. Luke tells of the birth of Jesus. I n those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

12 Carol: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Tune: Felix Mendelssohn Text: Charles Wesley

13 The congregation may be seated. The Seventh Lesson: A Reading from the Gospel according to Luke (2: 8-16) The shepherds go to the manger. I n that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors! When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us. So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. Organ Voluntary: How Far Is It To Bethlehem? Arranged by Mark Hayes

14 The Eighth Lesson: A Reading from the Gospel according to Matthew (2: 1-12) The magi are led by the star to Jesus. I n the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage. When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel. Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage. When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

15 Carol: We Three Kings of Orient Are Text and Tune: John Henry Hopkins, Jr.

16 The Homily: The Offertory/Blessing of the Offering: Pastor Richard Frederick Noel (O Holy Night) Adolphe Adam The congregation is invited to light the candle you were handed upon entering the sanctuary and to stand for the reading of the ninth lesson and the succeeding carol, Silent Night. The Ninth Lesson: A Reading from the Gospel according to John (1: 1-14) St. John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation. I n the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father s only son, full of grace and truth.

17 Carol: Silent Night Text: Joseph Mohr, Tune: Franz Xaver Gruber Closing Prayer and Benediction: Pastor Richard Frederick

18 Recessional Carol: O Come, All Ye Faithful Text and Tune: John Francis Wade, Based on a Latin Hymn Please be seated for the postlude: Postlude: Hallelujah (From The Messiah ) George Freidrich Handel After the postlude, please join us in the Fellowship Hall for refreshments!

19 Music Notes In Dulci Jubilo - Arranged by R.L. Pearsall and Edited by Reginald Jacques This carol, traditionally sung with the words "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice," is one of the older Christmas carols, dating back to Germany in the fourteenth century. English composer and conductor Reginald Jacques [ ] wrote this arrangement of the carol. The Lamb - John Tavener The work of English composer John Tavener [ ], including his Christmas choral piece "The Lamb," employs dissonant chords and alternating rhythms to emulate the sacred chant of medieval Christianity. The piece is based on a poem by William Blake. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks - Arranged by Alfred V. Fedak Alfred V. Fedak is an American organist and composer. His setting of the traditional carol "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night" is comprised of six variations which highlight the tonal diversity of the organ. Angels' Carol - John Rutter John Rutter is a prolific English composer whose choral music is performed and beloved around the world. The "Angels' Carol" is his joyful setting of the visit of the angels to the shepherds during the night of Christ's Nativity in Bethlehem. How Far Is It To Bethlehem? Arranged by Mark Hayes American composer Mark Hayes is known largely for setting traditional hymns to gospel rhythms and harmonies. This reflective piece is based on an English carol. Noel (O Holy Night) Adolphe Adam This beloved Christmas carol was composed in 1843 to celebrate the dedication of a new organ in the church of Roquemaure, France. Entitled "Noel," the French word for "Christmas," the tune was composed by Adolphe Adam [ ]. Hallelujah (From The Messiah) George Friedrich Handel George Friedrich Handel [ ] composed his famous oratorio "The Messiah," based on the life of Christ, in The most famous piece within this monumental work comes at the end of part two, the "Hallelujah Chorus." Handel premiered "The Messiah" in 1742 in Dublin, Ireland, as part of a charity concert series.

20 Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All! With the fullest intent of the angel s proclamation, we extend to you and your family the happiest wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous, healthy new year. We are so glad that you have joined us this evening to once again recall the story of our Lord s Nativity. It is our hope and prayer that you receive a blessing by being in this place tonight, hearing the words of the lessons, expressing the verses of the carols, and finding peace in the Lord, our Emmanuel, God with us. Announcements: We express our gratitude to our lectors, musicians, and those who prepared the reception. Your gracious contributions make this special service possible. The offering collected in this evening s service, along with the proceeds from our Advent coin box collection, will be donated in full to the Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs. This local organization provides critical assistance in programs which aid lower-income families and those living below the poverty line, administering food banks and our family and cold weather shelters. Thank you for contributing to this important outreach for our community. If you are joining us for the first time this evening, we invite you to join us again whenever you like. Our regular worship services are held each Sunday at 9:00 am. We invite you to celebrate Epiphany Sunday with us on January 6, Our worship service, beginning at 9:00 am, will include the celebration of Holy Communion. LOCUST VALLEY FIRST CHURCH OF GOD 1236 Mountain Church Road, Middletown MD Mailing Address: 7012 Mountain Church Road Pastor Richard Frederick (717) rafvdf@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook